AlyssaDePaola Couldn't Remember II 2017
Alyssa DePaola Couldn’t Remember II 2017

“It’s at the very beginning – the feeling of potential, of possibility, of forming something new. When you can see all of the ideas in your head but you’re not quite sure what they want to become.”

Name

Alyssa DePaola 

Profession

Fashion designer

 Website

alyssadepaola.com

Alyssa DePaola
Alyssa DePaola 

Who are you? What do you do?

I’m Alyssa and I make pictures.

Where are you from?

I was raised in New Jersey but currently live & work in Los Angeles.

Your style in 3 words?

minimal, surreal, dreamy

Your weakness? Your strength?

Overthinking things.

Alyssa DePaola Death Valley (Volcano 1) 2017
Alyssa DePaola Death Valley (Volcano 1) 2017

What makes you different?

I’m me.

When did you decide to become an artist & designer?

I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember but I think I’ve chosen to be an artist at a few points in my adult life. First, when I decided to pursue an art degree after high school. Second, when I decided to pursue a career as a designer, and most recently when I decided to pursue photography and artmaking as a more serious endeavour outside of my 9-5. That being said, I think being an artist has always been an innate part of who I am.

Alyssa DePaola Death Valley (Rainbow 1&2) 2017
Alyssa DePaola Death Valley (Rainbow 1&2) 2017

What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?

It’s at the very beginning – the feeling of potential, of possibility, of forming something new. When you can see all of the ideas in your head but you’re not quite sure what they want to become. The moment when you’re inspired to create and you become completely consumed. It’s confusing but you know you’re on to something! It fascinates me that we can still surprise ourselves that way. 

A few words about your favourite creation?

My favorite personal creation (for the time being) is Pismo (Dune 1). I think it’s quite beautiful in it’s simplicity. It’s a reminder that the sublimity of the untouched earth is truly unparalleled. The experience of making this image makes it even more special. We rode ATV’s up and down the sand dunes and could see far out into a sparkling Pacific Ocean from atop them – it was magical to say the least. It’s also funny because the image looks so quiet and pristine but what was behind me was quite the opposite – engines roaring, treadmarks eroding the dunes. I was only able to get a few shots that felt so serene.

Alyssa DePaola Pismo (Dune 1) 2017
Alyssa DePaola Pismo (Dune 1) 2017

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…

I’ve always loved Rothko – to me, his work is deeply emotional and truly about the experience of seeing. The work of Berlinde de Bruckyere also fascinates me. It’s quite grotesque but darkly romantic and beautiful. There’s also this huge network of artists on Instagram who inspire me every day – Luca Tombolini & Laura Hendricks are two of my favorites right now.

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

I’d love to photograph somewhere with lots of snow. 

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

Getting outside.

2018: Where are we going?

I hope we can be better to each other.

When the going gets tough…

Do something about it.

Your city’s favourite spots?

One of my favorite things about Los Angeles is having the ability to feel so removed from the city so easily. I love hiking Temescal Canyon; it’s close to the city and never crowded. It’s beautiful because you can see the ocean and the mountains all at once.

Do you have a vision?

My vision is to play in the fragile space where dreams and memories live, to create a body of work that reminds us of the delicacy and impermanence of the natural world as well as our place in it.

Tell us about your future plans…

I want to revisit Death Valley. I’m also hoping to get to Utah & New Mexico.

Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?

Right now I’m listening to a lot of Rainbow Kitten Surprise & Shakey Graves.

#…?

#thankyou!

Follow Alyssa on Instagram